News

The Noonday Market Fuel and Convenience Store was opened by the Gun Lake Tribe of Michigan. Pride /prīd/ noun 1. a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired. At Blue Stone, we … Continue reading "In Indian Country, Pride Fuels Profit"Read More »

“You have to make a long term plan for diversification, but it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s important to commit to the reinvestment necessary to accomplish your goals so you are not bleeding enterprises dry while on the path. [It’s] critical to continually educate the leadership and community about the plan and how it’s progressing.” Tribes … Continue reading "Strategic Planning Crucial for Tribal Economic Sustainability"Read More »

In May, the President released his proposed budget with major cuts that will directly impact tribes across Indian Country. And as the growth of Indian gaming has begun to slow, now more than ever tribal governments should be focused on diversifying their portfolios as a means to build stronger and more sustainable economies over the … Continue reading "Tribal Economies: The Case for Diversification"Read More »

Blue Stone Strategy Group today announced the addition of Eddy Edwards to its tenured team. Edwards is a former Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council Member with extensive tribal government and housing expertise. “We have a responsibility to continue to be the best in class in Indian Country and for our tribal clients and I … Continue reading "Blue Stone Adds Eddy Edwards to its Strategy Team"Read More »

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Location is everything, or so the saying goes. But that’s only partially true, and Indian country is living proof of that. Some of the most remote Tribal communities thrive thanks to off-the- beaten-path, destination-style resorts, tourism, utilizing natural resources, or by leveraging water rights in the … Continue reading "Part 3 of 4: Metropolitan, Rural, or Somewhere In-Between? How to Diversify Relative to Location."Read More »

At the start of each New Year, we personally spend time assessing our lives, our habits, our goals. As businesses, we often re-evaluate our collective direction and priorities. Tribes have the same priority with tribal governments and enterprises. Your tribal system or tribal business is only as good as its people. Human Resources (HR) is the … Continue reading "A note from Jamie Fullmer – Assessing from the foundation up in 2017"Read More »

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 The first step in evaluating diversification options is to analyze a tribe’s current customers, their demographics, desire for services and willingness to spend disposable income. Next, applying two economic development principles can support tribes as they work to answer the diversification imperative: 1. Capturing incremental customer … Continue reading "Part 2 of 4: Planning for Diversification"Read More »

There have been considerable concerns raised throughout Indian Country about the uncertainty that lies ahead in 2017 and what changes might occur in the coming year with the new administration. Do you believe your tribal leadership is aligned and positioned to overcome potential challenges and take advantage of opportunities that lie ahead in 2017? Over … Continue reading "What are you doing to prepare for the uncertainty in 2017?"Read More »

Author: Gale Courey Toensing http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/ Blue Stone Strategy Group, a majority Native-owned and –operated business that supports tribal leaders in governance and economic development issues, has reached an important milestone: October marks its 10th anniversary in business. That’s a major achievement, since less than 50 percent of new businesses last that long, according to … Continue reading "Tribal Governance Made Easy with Blue Stone’s Soft Touch"Read More »

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 The economic development opportunities on reservations that feature predominantly trust land are fundamentally similar to that of large, master-planned land-use programs. The genesis of Indian Gaming is well-documented in terms of how it was based on the unique and recognized sovereignty of American Indian tribes in … Continue reading "Part 1 of 4 – The Ongoing Need for Economic Development"Read More »

Former Chairman, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; U.S. Navy Retired Blue Stone Strategy Group is proud to welcome Gary Hayes to its advisory team as a Senior Tribal Advisor. In his new role, Gary will provide leadership in support of strategic tribal initiatives facing Blue Stone clients in the areas of Tribal Governance, Economic Development, and … Continue reading "Gary Hayes Joins Blue Stone Strategy Group as Senior Tribal Advisor"Read More »

Tribal leaders from the Southwest weigh in on important economic development issues Phoenix, Arizona – Blue Stone Strategy Group recently hosted its first “leadership summit,” in Phoenix AZ, a pilot event in a series of leadership summits. The summit events are designed to provide a forum for tribal leaders to discuss specific challenges and opportunities facing … Continue reading "Tribal Leadership Summit – Southwest"Read More »

March 25, 2015, Irvine, California – Blue Stone Strategy will participate in the Indian Gaming Conference, scheduled in San Diego, CA, March 30th – April 2nd. Members of the Blue Stone Team will be presenting two informative workshops and will also be available to meet in person to discuss the unique needs and economic development … Continue reading "Blue Stone Strategy Set to Present at 2015 Indian Gaming Tradeshow"Read More »

As seen in Indian Country Today… By Gale Courey Toensing- What’s a good way to evaluate the job performance of a company that offers tribal governments, businesses and organizations advice on good governance and economic development? The answer is found in the old adage “Nothing succeeds like success,” according to the Blue Stone Strategy … Continue reading "Blue Stone Strategy Group: Client Success Is Our Success"Read More »

What tribal leaders are saying about Blue Stone:

Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan

Blue Stone helped the Gun Lake Tribal Gaming Authority with a feasibility study for a gas station/c-store. We found them to be very knowledgeable and prompt with their results.

-- John Shagonaby

, Chief Executive Officer

Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana

Blue Stone brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our organization while emphasizing the need of Unity and helping bring Our Vision to fruition.

-- Marshall Pierite

, Former Tribal Chairman

Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians

Blue Stone performed a thorough analysis that resulted in giving us insight and information that we converted into action that is returning positive results.

-- Darrell Mike

, Chairman

Squaxin Island Tribe

Blue Stone offers a clear effective product that takes in the uniqueness of your situation. They are very complete in their analysis to better serve your needs and productivity in your businesses. It is well worth the investment. Blue Stone was well worth the investment. A direct result was a more dedicated and motivated workforce … Continue reading “Squaxin Island Tribe”

-- Ray Peters

, Intergovernmental Affairs/Council Liaison

Dakota Nation Development Corporation of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate

Blue Stone is a vital partner in your business network for native business success, privately or tribally owned.

-- DelRay D German

, Chairman

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

Blue Stone has a unique talent for analyzing resources so our Tribal Council could engage in a thoughtful dialogue to determine priorities.

-- Homer A. Mandoka

, Former Tribal Chairman

Seminole Tribe of Florida

The Blue Stone Team of professionals worked well with our Community Members and Executive Staff in developing the detailed recommendations for Council’s consideration.

-- James Billie

, Chairman

Ute Mountain Casino, Hotel & Resort

Blue Stone provided an unbiased perspective that our Council respected and was extremely professional and efficient in their assessment.

-- Bob Brooker

, General Manager

Seneca Nation

Utilizing Blue Stone helped us facilitate our priorities.

-- Tina Abrams

, Councilor

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

We appreciated their attention to detail and clear understanding of our community and bringing Accountability to our businesses. We have the honor of providing a competitive work environment which has resulted in attracting a talented workforce that is eager to work for us.

Results for Michigan tribe: Paid off loan completely in just three years.

Serving Tribal Nations

(949) 476-8828 office | (949) 861-7419 fax
info@bluestonestrategy.com

Passion. Dedication. Commitment. Respect.

These four words are the driving force behind Blue Stone Strategy Group’s team of strategists, tribal advisors and subject-matter experts as we work to create stronger economies and communities for our Tribal clients.